by Vivian Arend
Oh. “It’s the anniversary day.”
The anniversary of the accident. The day when everything had changed.
They sat in silence for a little longer, Ginny’s throat closing up in a most unwelcome way. “How come it still hurts so much?”
“Because you love them as much as you ever did, and you wish they were here,” he said quietly.
She couldn’t stop the tears. She wanted to, because this wasn’t her. Like she’d told Tamara before, she wasn’t weepy, she was strong. She could get things done, she could help others. She could make a difference.
But the one thing she couldn’t do was bring her parents back.
“I miss them so much,” she confessed, the words coming out broken and high-pitched.
Tucker gathered her closer, rubbing her back gently. “I know, baby. I know.”
It took a while until she cried herself out, and by then her sinuses were plugged and her throat was sore, which made her even madder at herself.
Then there was the other matter. “I’m keeping you from your work,” Ginny complained.
Tucker shook his head, still holding her close. He had provided a clean tissue so she could clean herself up. “This is what I’m doing right now, and it’s important,” he assured her.
She tucked the soggy tissues in her pocket before wiping a final time at her eyes with the back of her hand. “How did you know I was here?”
“A little bird told me,” Tucker drawled.
Ginny rolled her eyes. “Seriously.”
“Kelli saw you come in and mentioned it. I thought I’d pop my head in to see if you were looking for some company.”
She grimaced. “Such wonderful company. Sobbed all over you—”
“You trusted me with your tears,” he corrected her. When she would’ve protested, he raised a finger and shook it. “Life is not always laughter and sunshine, Ginny. I don’t want to be with you only when it’s easy, remember?”
He was a good, good man. Ginny dipped her chin. “I remember.”
He glanced around the space. “Is it time for an Operation Prove It meeting?”
Maybe, but there was something she needed his help with even more. “Would you go with me to Mom and Dad’s graves?”
Tucker’s expression went solemn. He dipped his chin. “I’d be honoured.”
First things first, though. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed tight. Completely innocent. Completely intimate, because this man was quickly becoming an anchor for her very soul.
They had company at the graveside.
Ginny sent a message to Caleb to let him know what they were doing. Tucker had done the same for Luke. And then it only made sense to shoot a message to Walker and Dustin…
An hour later, a long solemn line on horseback shuffled along the trail up the hillside to where her parents had been buried. All of her immediate family were there except for Dare. Ashton had joined them, along with Kelli, and when the group dismounted and came forward, it was another one of those bittersweet moments.
Someone had been out earlier, because the graves had been cleared of snow, and bright plastic flowers poked up from the holders near the headstones.
After impulsively organizing the gathering, Ginny suddenly felt at a loss. What did she do now? What did she say?
Dustin looked on the verge of tears. Walker stared into the distance, nodding gently as if holding an internal conversation. Kelli had her arms wrapped around Luke’s torso, head against his chest. His lips were pressed together in a thin line, and Ginny realized he too was fighting for control.
Even big brother Caleb—strong, reliable, willing to do the impossible because it was the right thing to do, Caleb—even he had turned slightly away from the graves and held Tamara as if she were the post keeping him upright.
Somehow, she could do this. She was a Stone, and they were strong. She was a Stone, and they did the next thing. Her family needed her as much today as they had all those years ago, but inside she felt as if she had nothing to give.
Even as she took a deep breath, strong fingers tangled around hers. Tucker glanced down at her for a moment. Then he looked around the gathering and spoke in that clear, firm tone she’d come to love so much, and was strong for her.
“I ever tell you about the time I ran away from home?”
All heads swiveled their direction, curiosity replacing the sorrow and sad memories that had been the main focus.
Tucker casually wrapped an arm around Ginny’s shoulders, leaning back and looking up slightly, and damn if there wasn’t a smile on his face.
“It was spring. About the time every year when I’d start thinking summer couldn’t come soon enough. I was thirteen, which meant I knew plenty about buses and was cocky enough to consider hitching a ride if I had to. Because, truth told, I wasn’t running away, but more running to what I considered my real home. Silver Stone.” Tucker looked across the circle and met Luke’s gaze. “Amongst other things, my best friend was here, and it didn’t seem right that I had to wait another three months to see him.”
Ashton nodded, laughing softly as if remembering the story faster than Tucker was telling it.
“I was smart, all right. I packed a bag, bought a ticket, and rode all the way to Black Diamond. Pretty damn proud of myself, because I changed buses three times and hadn’t lost a thing the entire day and a half it took.”
Dustin looked awed. “What happened after you hit Black Diamond?”
“I called your father, of course,” Tucker told him seriously. “Figured I had made it that far and no way would anybody send me away. I deserved to stay.”
Walker chuckled. “Oh, boy. This isn’t going to end well.”
“Thirteen-year-old me didn’t think so,” Tucker agreed. He took another look around the circle, meeting everyone’s eyes in turn. “Your dad came to the bus stop and picked me up. What’s more, your mom was with him. Walter and Deb drove me straight to a restaurant, and we went and had a meal together. The first since I left home, because I hadn’t planned that well.”
Ginny was fascinated. “I don’t remember you coming for an extra-long summer visit.”
“That’s because the next thing they did after that was put my ass back on the bus. But they didn’t send me on my own. Walter rode with me, because he said I obviously couldn’t be trusted to make grown-up decisions, so I got baby treatment the way I deserved.”
“Ouch.” Luke grimaced.
Caleb looked as if he remembered it all too well. “The wrath of Dad. He didn’t get mad, but boy, did you know you were out of line.”
Tucker nodded. “I went from feeling as if I was ten feet tall to a toddler being sent to timeout after a tantrum. He escorted me all the way home—still have no idea how he simply took off a couple of days like that on an instant’s notice. Only, here’s the part I want to tell you. The entire time on the trip home, we talked. He talked about the ranch. He talked about his best friend, Joseph. He talked about his hopes and dreams, and he did it as if I were an adult. As if I hadn’t just screwed up big time and acted absolutely childish.”
Tucker’s arm around her waist tightened a little. Ginny curled her arms around him and gave him a squeeze. Giving him back a bit of strength so he could finish.
He smiled at her. “Your dad talked about each one of you. His kids, who he was so proud of for so many reasons. Some of you were good at one thing, some of you were good at another. He said he knew the day would come when it would be you taking care of Silver Stone, but that was okay. Because you knew about working together. About trusting each other and being there for one another.”
Caleb nodded. “He wasn’t a lone wolf, our dad. He relied a whole lot on Mom, too.” He curled his arm around Tamara, and she smiled.
Tucker slid his hand down until his fingers linked with Ginny’s. “Ginny told me today how much she missed them. I know we all do. Not just today, but every day. But—and I don’t know if this helps—but when I look around,
I still see them here. In the work that you do, and the way you support each other.” He squeezed Ginny’s hand. “In the way you love each other. It’s a pretty amazing legacy your parents gave you, and it’s absolutely still true today.”
Ashton nodded. “Amen.”
On their left, Luke reached out a hand to Tucker. Only when he took hold, Luke pulled him into a tight embrace, patting him on the back. “You’re right. It’s a damn good legacy they left us. And a damn good story.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us about that trip before now,” Walker said the moment before he too hauled Tucker into a hug.
The entire gravesite party turned into a rotating series of embraces.
Ginny found herself being held extra tight by Tamara before her sister-in-law pulled away and shook a finger, gently chiding in a soft voice so no one would overhear. “I recognize the look in your eyes over the past couple of weeks. That’s the same look my sister Karen gets when she’s struggling with something. Listen to what your guy just said about how the Stones work together as a team, okay? If you’ve got something you need help with, I’m here for you. We’re all here.”
Enough with the tears. Ginny smiled. “Thanks. I will,” she said decisively. “Only I can’t guarantee that everything I share will make sense.”
Tamara blew a raspberry. “You need to hang around me and my sisters more. Lisa thrives on turning gibberish into words.”
“I have noticed this about her,” Ginny said dryly.
A whole bunch of hugs later, everyone mounted up and left.
Ginny found Dustin standing beside her.
He still looked on the edge of tears, but he also grinned sheepishly. “Thanks. I came this morning to clean things up a little and…” He swallowed hard. “I’m glad you got everybody together. It was the right thing to do.”
Tucker slid into position behind her.
Ginny gave Dustin another quick hug. “It just kind of happened, but I’m glad it did.”
Dustin glanced up at Tucker, hesitating then speaking a little on the gruff side. “That was a good story you shared. Thanks.”
Tucker curled his arm around Ginny then dipped his chin in response. “The flowers were a nice touch. I’m glad they were here. It means a lot you took care of things like that.”
Her youngest brother’s eyes widened. “How did you know it was me?”
Tucker shrugged. “Ashton’s teaching me how to read minds.”
Dustin jerked upright then snickered. “Right.”
Tucker patted him on the back then turned him toward the horses and pushed him gently. “Let’s go. I think you still have some jobs you need to finish this afternoon.”
“Yes, sir.”
The response came so quick and natural, Ginny had to hide a smile.
The warmth inside her was back. It lasted all the way until they got the horses to the barn and everyone headed home or returned to work.
Ginny caught Tucker by the hand and pulled him toward her. “I know you probably have some jobs you need to finish this afternoon, but come to my place when you’re done? I’ll make supper.”
He nodded. “I’ll be there in a couple of hours if that works for you.”
They both took off in different directions.
The first thing Ginny did when she got home was hop into the shower, steamy water all around her heating her up until every bit of tension washed right away.
Then she made another tea, mixing a couple of different combinations together before curling up on the couch and once again lifting the journal into her lap. Once again opening to a random page to write.
I don’t know how to do this right, but I suppose that’s part of the journey.
* * *
Every day we have to take the adventure as it comes, and while sometimes the road is not one we want to travel, today I learned a very important lesson.
* * *
The companions with us on the journey are vital.
I think that’s some of what you tried to teach us, Mom. About picking friends at school who were the rock-solid type and not ones who would only lead us in mischief. I think that’s why you and Jacquie Hayes got along so well. You knew how to fight about what was important so that you could learn from each other.
* * *
Dare and I don’t always agree. We don’t always like the same things—although she’s totally going to get a kick out of the fact that I’m writing in this thing. Considering she’s the one who’s been journaling since she was sixteen…
* * *
Is that karma, or fate, or just some weird coincidence?
* * *
Doesn’t matter.
* * *
What does matter is that I have people in my corner who love me and care for me and want nothing but the best for me.
* * *
I don’t have to be strong on my own.
Ginny closed the book slowly, fingers slipping from between the pages in an almost caress. That had felt different. So very different from before.
It’d felt…right.
Then, because she had no idea when Tucker might get there, she headed into the kitchen and got started on dinner.
She may as well admit it. While there were a lot of things she couldn’t do, feeding a man—her man—was a thing she truly enjoyed.
To borrow Tucker’s favourite phrase, screw the rules.
When he got there shortly after five, he paused inside the door and took a deep appreciative sniff. “Ginny, it smells like heaven in here.”
She stepped forward, taking the colourful bouquet of flowers from his hand. “These are beautiful.” She went up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
While he took off his boots, she went and put the flowers in a vase and arranged them on the table, then returned and brought him with her to the loaded kitchen table.
He paused with one hand on the back of the chair. “Wow. You went all out.”
Ginny laughed. “I had a few things in the freezer, but yes. I figured you deserved your favourites.”
She had warmed up leftover roast, made spiced cauliflower, and a mountain of mashed potatoes. “There’s also green bean casserole with rosemary, and bumbleberry pie for dessert.”
He still had hold of her hand and lifted her knuckles to his mouth to kiss them softly. “Just to be clear, I really, truly adore your brain.”
After the highly emotional day, it was good to laugh. “Look, I can’t help it that you’re getting a fantastic package deal. I’ve got a great body, I love sex, and I love to cook. Face it, you hit the jackpot, Tucker.”
He pulled her against him for a brief, but firm hug. “Not going to argue. Like I said, you’re the smartest woman I know.”
If writing in the journal earlier had felt right, this felt even better.
Ginny wasn’t about to confess it out loud, but she admitted it to herself. She liked the idea of being a homemaker. Travelling had never been about being wild and free, but about finding that bit of home in every place she visited.
After dinner, Tucker washed the dishes while she put things away, easy conversation volleying between them about the tasks they looked forward to in the coming week.
Then they curled up on her couch, Ginny nestled under Tucker’s arm, her head resting on his chest as he opened Netflix and they settled in to watch a movie.
Homey. Peaceful.
After the show was done, Tucker clicked the screen off and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I want to stay the night.”
She looked up and traced a finger along his hairline, pushing away a curl. Sliding her fingertips farther down to rasp lightly on his five o’clock shadow. “I notice you didn’t mention sleep,” she teased softly.
“We’ll get around to that eventually,” he promised.
He walked her to the bedroom. Looked into her eyes the entire time as he undid her buttons, as he stripped her naked and removed his own clothes.
Strong, firm musc
les pressed against her softness, Tucker crowded over her until she was blanketed by his body.
Slow, drugging kisses followed, his touch as well, mixing up pleasure between his fingers, his lips, and tongue, and teeth. Ginny closed her eyes and let her hands drift. Teasing back until both of them were vibrating with need.
Tucker rolled them both to their sides then pulled her top leg over his hip so they were in a tangled embrace as he slid them together. Slow thrusts, his hands on her breasts briefly before sliding over her belly to the apex of her sex.
She sucked in a gasp at the sharp shot of desire.
“Right there. That’s it,” he encouraged. “Let go. I’ll catch you,” he promised.
Ginny couldn’t have stopped if she’d wanted. Like springtime runoff, everything welled up to the point of no return until together they tipped over the edge and cascaded into pleasure.
They lay together for long moments after, stroking each other, staring into each other’s eyes.
Tucker left for just long enough to deal with the condom before coming back and folding her in his arms again. Face-to-face, hearts beating in time.
She watched as his lashes slowly closed, a hint of a smile lingering on his lips. Contentment rose from him like fresh, spring growth.
He was sound asleep, and Ginny was still staring. Still stroking her fingers over his body.
“I love you,” she whispered, just to try the words.
That too sounded very, very right.
19
Alex summoned Tucker over during coffee break a few days later. “I have a request to pass on from a friend.”
“Sounds intriguing,” Tucker said.
“My friend Ryan—owner of Rough Cut. He and his girlfriend have decided to tie the knot.”
Tucker had done his best to get up to speed on all the local happenings, which included all of the main players in the community. Uncle Ashton, surprisingly, had turned out to be a wonderful source of information, and considering Ryan was also part of the volunteer firefighters where Ashton volunteered time every week, the bar owner’s recent relationship adventures had been thoroughly discussed.
